Month: June 2018

Our bricks and mortar store in Toronto will be closed July 1 and 2, Sunday and Monday, for the observance of Canada Day. Our trusty computers will be online, waiting to take your orders, however, if inspiration strikes, or if you just need a break from the in-laws. Or the bugs. Cheers!

First off – I know that leather is not everybody’s “thing.” I know that some of you are so not comfortable with leather. That’s ok. But I have to say, if I had to name my top five favourite scents in the world – the smell of leather is going to be on that list. Frying bacon, fresh cut grass, wild roses, warm horses, lavendar, and lilac would also be duking it out for top spots on the list. And this is that kind of leather – 1 meter strips of super-intensely coloured, sueded-on-the-back, buttery-soft, luxurious leather lacing. In a …

I’m a technique junkie, so why would polymer clay technique play be any different? When I get interested in a subject, I do everything I can to learn all about it. Don’t you? In the case of polymer clay, I took a class a year or so ago, played a little, purchased a book, surfed the net, then left it all behind. At the end of last year, my interest was renewed (I blame it all on my friend!), and it began again! Oh, I couldn’t just be interested in the odd polymer clay technique, could I? Why don’t I …

It’s July and we have lots to celebrate including Canada Day and, for our southern neighbours, Independence Day. Enjoy the parties, fireworks and picnics! Our summer classes also kick-in with new and encore classes throughout July and August. Early-July classes include a new metal clay brooch class with Liz Reynolds and a last-chance-before-the-fall intro to soldering classes with Iris Rogers Melamed! If you want to escape the heat, come on into one of the open sessions. FYI, the classroom’s air conditioner works great – you may want to bring a light sweater or wrap. Here are the classes and open …

There appears to be about as much consensus on the origin of the word “doozy” – to mean something big and spectacular in either a good way, or not – as there is on the spelling of druzy – or drusy. FWIW – I like the theory that a doozy was originally duesy – and short for Dusenberg – the top of the line and ridonculously large car from the 20’s. Druzy, or Drusy, is from the German “druos” for “bump.” (So if you drop a druzy on your foot and get a really big bruise – is that a …

I didn’t think that I had much to include on my June 2018 Bead Mat Update, but I was wrong! You’ll find that I’m a little all-over-the-place this month. Does that mean that I have AADD (Artistic Attention Deficit Disorder)? I’m afraid that I resemble that!!! Do you? First up on my June 2018 Bead Mat Update, is one of my personal UFO2Go items. A cute beaded button (that will be turned into a pin), but originally an unfinished class sample from earlier in the year.. Then there’s the stone, metal, and leather bracelet from last year. Almost finished, but …

Metal Charms & a week’s Grace on “free shipping at $50” There is something very romantic about the idea of a traditional charm bracelet – a chain bracelet crammed full of charms to commemorate all the major milestones in life. A gift, perhaps at sweet sixteen, and then religiously adding to it for every special event, birthdays, anniversaries, trips, goals. Very romantic, and a wonderful conversation piece. A treasured collection of memories for reciting to grandchildren as they cuddle in your lap. Buuuuuut – tastes change and so do the meanings of words. A “charm” is a metal (mostly) item …

I’m absolutely crazy about mixed media jewelery! I do like traditional jewelery, but there’s something about all of the surprising combinations that are possible, if you travel to the darker side. First let’s define mixed media! According to Wikipedia “In visual art, mixed media is an artwork in which more than one medium or material has been employed. Assemblages and collages are two common examples of art using different medias that will make use of different materials including cloth, paper, and/or wood … Many artistic effects can be achieved by using mixed media. Found objects can be used in conjunction …

BeadFX’s classes don’t take vacations! We have quite a line-up of classes during July and August that include all media – seedbeading, mixed media, metal clay (base metal and fine silver!), metalwork and enamelling and lampworking. Several class projects are brand new, including beautiful chainmaille bracelet with Marilyn Gardiner and fibre and bead projects with Anne Marie Desaulniers. You can see the wide variety of projects yourself at our upcoming Summer Classes Open House on Friday, June 22. Drop in anytime between 5:00 and 8:00pm for a viewing, meet the instructors and have a bite of refreshments. All of the …

We’ve had so many requests for these instructions – that I’m posting them here again! How about Stretchy Bracelets! Those of you following us on instagram and facebook may have observed that I have something of a #braceletobsession. I’ve been making bracelets on elastic, and wearing them stacked. Ive been finding this a good way to justify my even older obsession with stone beads! You can use them by themselves, add an accent bead in metal or even lampwork, or add a tassel or charm dangle. Make a bunch ? they are fun and relaxing to make and wear! Making …